​Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Table of Contents

• Why Boohoff Law?

• Tampa Bicycle and Traffic Accident Statistics

• The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections for Tampa Area Bicyclists

• Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

• FAQ

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Various factors can cause bicycle accidents. Sometimes, multiple factors cause a single accident.

The following are some of the most common causes of reported bicycle accidents in the Tampa, Florida, area.​

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains one of the top causes of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving bicycles.

When drivers pay attention to something else like their personal hygiene, smartphones, social media, texting, passengers, pets, infotainment systems, or eating instead of their surroundings, they are more likely to cause crashes. ​

Driver Fatigue or Drowsiness

The risks of driving while drowsy aren’t as well-known as those of driving while impaired; recent studies reveal that they are similarly severe.

For example, motorists who are up early or late or are trying to get home after a long day at work are often at an increased risk of causing severe collisions, especially with bicyclists.​

Intoxicated Driving

Motorists who drink or get high and then drive are dangerous to themselves and everyone else on the road, including vulnerable bicyclists.

Substance impairment drastically reduces a driver’s ability to make intelligent decisions and react quickly. When these abilities are impaired, it puts bike riders in danger of being in an accident with a negligent driver. ​

Speeding

No matter where a car is driving, speeding increases its stopping time and distance, limiting the time the driver has to make decisions behind the wheel.

Although high-speed accidents are more likely to result in severe or fatal injuries, even accidents at relatively low speeds, such as those in a parking lot or a residential neighborhood, can still be extremely dangerous for bicyclists.

At higher speeds, the injuries and damages are typically more severe; however, low speeds don’t guarantee little or no injuries or property damage.​

Not Leaving an Adequate Buffer

Drivers following bicyclists too closely or passing within three feet of a cyclist put everyone at risk. Not leaving an adequate buffer and passing too close make drivers more likely to strike bicyclists.

These dangerous situations also leave bicyclists (and themselves) with far fewer options to avoid a collision.​

Traffic Weaving and Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers who weave through traffic aren’t as likely to notice cyclists on the road. They are also less likely to make certain maneuvers that can help them prevent collisions.

Weaving drivers also frequently drift out of designated traffic lanes and onto bike lanes and shoulders, creating other hazardous situations.

Even if a motorist isn’t weaving, making just one unsafe lane change is still dangerous.

Bicycle accidents of this type usually happen when drivers merge into bicycle lanes without looking before moving to ensure that no one else is in the lane. ​

Failing to Yield

Failure to yield is another type of careless or reckless driving, creating significant risks for bicyclists.

From roundabouts to intersections with merging lanes, there are many places where motorists have a legal and ethical obligation to yield to oncoming traffic—which includes bicycle traffic.​

Failing to Look Before Turning

Even if motorists have a green light to turn, their obligation to check for cyclists and pedestrians remains.

Turning without checking for bicyclists is a common and preventable cause of bicycle accidents at Tampa’s many intersections.​

Failing to Stop at a Red Light or Stop Sign

Running red lights and stop signs is another common cause of bicycle intersection collisions. This happens in neighborhoods and suburban areas, as well as in urban locations and city centers.

Simply running a traffic sign or signal is dangerous on its own. However, the risks increase if drivers don’t look for bicyclists who have the right of way.​

FAQs

What Are Some of the Consequences of Tampa Bicycle Accidents?

For a bicyclist, the consequences of a crash can be severe or even catastrophic injuries and substantial financial damages. Sadly, some bicyclists may not live to tell about their injuries. Still, others might suffer permanent impairments or disabilities. However, with help from a knowledgeable Tampa bicycle accident attorney, injured bicyclists can file a personal injury claim and receive compensation for their injuries and damages.

Bicycle accidents can also be quite costly for the city. For instance, if a defective street, sign, light, or some type of government agency negligence contributed to the cause of a bicycle accident, the rider can file a claim against the city or a government agency for compensation.

In addition, if bicycle accidents are on the rise, especially in certain areas, the government must invest in various resources, measures, and infrastructure improvements to protect riders.

Another consequence of Tampa’s bicycle accidents is the potential for decreased tourism. Frequent bicycle accidents don’t look good for tourism. Being named a dangerous place for pedestrians or bicyclists will likely result in fewer visitors to the area. Less tourism significantly impacts the local economy.​

What is Tampa Doing to Decrease Bicycle Accidents?

Both the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County are members of the Vision Zero Network with the goal of eliminating bicycle accidents. As such, they have detailed plans to increase bicycle safety in the area.

Their goal is to eliminate bicycle accidents by:

• Educating drivers
• Improving roads
• Implementing effective speed management strategies
• Proactive enforcement of traffic laws
• Provide additional signage and pavement for shared lanes, thereby increasing space and awareness
• Expand trails, greenways, and crosswalks to give bicyclists and pedestrians more room
• Adding pedestrian and bicycle facilities linking the Westshore District, Downtown, and the University of South Florida
• Increasing the overall number of protected bicycle lanes throughout the Tampa area
• Focusing on high-injury areas for pedestrians and bicyclists—like the dangerous areas previously listed​

How Long Do Injured Bicyclists Have to File a Legal Case?

Florida has a four-year statute of limitations when it comes to personal injuries, such as those arising from a bicycle accident. This means that those injured in such an accident have four years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their damages.

The statute of limitations is a deadline. However, if the injured bicyclist’s claim involves or is against a government agency, they must file their complaint within three years of the date of their injury. Suppose you are seeking the services of a Tampa bicycle accident lawyer because you lost a loved one in an accident. In that case, it’s crucial to note that Florida has a wrongful death statute of limitations of two years from the date of the death. ​

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Call the Boohoff Law Tampa Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today

Whether you were bicycling for exercise, recreation, to work, as a tourist, to help the environment, or on an errand, you deserved to be kept safe. If someone hit you and you suffered injuries as a result, your rights were likely violated.

That’s where our skilled Tampa personal injury lawyers come in. We can protect your rights and help you exercise your right to pursue full and fair compensation for your damages.

From your first phone call or message to our office through the resolution of your case, we are here for you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive both the legal service and compensation you deserve.

Contact us online today or call (813) 725-5606 for a no-obligation initial consultation and case evaluation.

Boohoff Law, P.A. — Auto Accident Lawyers
Tampa, Florida Location

829 W Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa, FL 33603
Phone: (813) 536-6221

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